JU Chhatra Dal announces panel ahead of Jucsu elections amid controversy
Student Unity Forum submits proposals to make the election participatory
In anticipation of the upcoming Jahangirnagar University (JU) Central Students' Union (Jucsu) elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-backed student organisation, Chhatra Dal, has announced a 25-member panel. Sheikh Saadi will contest for Vice President, with Tanzeela Hossain Baishakhi as General Secretary.
The panel was unveiled today (28 August) at 1pm beneath the "Odommo 24" monument, commemorating the July Mass Uprising, on the final day for nomination withdrawals.
Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahia, senior vice-president of Chhatra Dal's central committee, formally announced the candidates. Bulbul Kabir, father of Alif, who was killed in Savar during the uprising, attended the event.
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Controversy over panel composition
The announcement has sparked controversy over the inclusion of a former murder-accused and a banned Chhatra League activist. Critics also pointed out the absence of any indigenous students. Among the nominees, Kazi Mousumi Afroze will run for co-social welfare (female) and had previously been involved in Chhatra League politics.
Hamidullah Salman, contesting for executive member (male), is the president of Chhatra Dal at the University's Rabindranath Hall and is named in the murder case of former Chhatra League leader Shamim Molla.
JU Chhatra Dal convenor Zahiduddin Babar defended the panel, saying priority was given to July uprising participants. He added that the alleged former Chhatra League member also fought in the uprising, and the accused in the murder case has completed their expulsion, with allegations unproven.
Independent candidacy declared
Citing factionalism, nepotism, and failure to earn student trust, Syeda Anyanya Faria, a member of Chhatra Dal's convening committee, has announced an independent run for Jucsu.
Speaking at a press conference today at the "Bijoy-24" monument, she said, "Jucsu representation should protect students' rights. Being part of a factionalised panel compromises that. After the July 24 uprising, I realised the need for politics free from nepotism and fully dedicated to students."
Faria added that she had initially planned to run under the Chhatra Dal panel but opted for an independent candidacy as the panel failed to be student-focused. She was originally asked to contest for the General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary positions.
JU Chhatra Dal secretary Wasim Ahmed Anik defended the panel, stating, "We aimed to create an inclusive panel, prioritising sacrifice and dedication. Official rules will be followed for all members, as noted in our press release."
Chhatra Dal has also instructed all student leaders outside the panel to withdraw nominations for both Jucsu and hall union elections. A notice issued immediately after the panel announcement warned that violators would face organisational disciplinary measures.
Student Unity Forum submits proposals, leftist groups delay panel announcement
The Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad-backed Student Unity Forum has submitted three proposals to make the upcoming Jucsu elections more participatory and vibrant.
The first proposal recommends allowing final voters to cast ballots using any valid ID, simplifying the process and increasing participation.
The second calls for online voting for students unable to be physically present, modernising the process and boosting turnout.
The third suggests relaxing the election code of conduct to allow small gatherings, direct interactions, debates, and seminars, helping voters understand candidates better and ensuring transparency.
The forum believes that implementing these proposals will protect students' rights and strengthen the university's democratic environment.
Meanwhile, several left-leaning groups, including a faction of Bangladesh Student Union (Adri-Ark), Jahangirnagar Cultural Alliance, and Jahangirnagar Banchao Andolan, are planning to form a separate panel.
However, internal deliberations have delayed their Jucsu panel announcement.
